Milton and Halton Asylum Seekers Express Concerns Amidst Funding Boost for Interim Housing

Some of the asylum seekers in Milton and Halton have expressed apprehensions regarding the Canadian government’s policies in addressing the escalating number of asylum claimants.

With global migration on the rise, Canada is witnessing an increase in individuals seeking asylum. While provinces and municipalities handle housing and support for asylum claimants, the federal government acknowledges the imperative for all levels of government to collaborate in managing the surge in asylum claims.

Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, recently announced an additional $362.4 million in funding for the Interim Housing Assistance Program (IHAP) for the 2023–2024 fiscal year. IHAP provides funding to provincial and municipal governments on a cost-sharing basis to address exceptional interim housing pressures resulting from the growing volume of asylum claimants.

This funding infusion aims to aid provinces and municipalities facing a surge in demand for shelter space, preventing asylum claimants from facing homelessness. It supplements the $212 million in national funding allocated last summer through IHAP. The federal government remains committed to collaborating with provinces and municipalities to effectively respond to the increasing number of people seeking refuge in Canada. The approach aims to address social and infrastructure challenges faced by communities, emphasizing the importance of cross-government cooperation for long-term solutions.

Marc Miller stated, “Provinces and municipalities are critical partners in helping respond to the rising number of asylum claims and supporting the needs of those fleeing persecution, oppression, and conflict. Today’s announcement will help ensure that asylum claimants and refugees have a roof over their heads and are protected from the cold. We will continue to be there to support vulnerable people and the communities that provide them shelter.”

Asylum seekers from Pakistan and Afghanistan residing in Milton and Halton are sharing their perspectives on the Canadian government’s recent funding boost to address the surge in asylum claims.

Sara Malik from Lahore (Pakistan) said: “As an asylum seeker in Halton, the news of additional funding for housing support is a relief. The uncertainty of finding shelter has been a constant worry, and this funding could be a positive step. I hope it creates more stable living conditions for all asylum seekers.”

Since 2017, the Government of Canada has allocated nearly $750 million to provinces and municipalities to alleviate housing pressures related to asylum claims. Provinces and municipalities offering interim housing must submit reimbursement requests for costs incurred, enabling the Government of Canada to determine its contribution. Funding amounts are determined based on these requests and the overall program envelope.

Beyond IHAP, the federal government has secured temporary accommodations to ease the burden on local shelters, adjusting locations based on local needs and growing demands. Currently, the Government of Canada provides housing for over 7,300 asylum claimants through approximately 4,000 temporary rooms across the country.

While the funding boost aims to address immediate housing concerns, asylum seekers in Milton and Halton remain vigilant, emphasizing the need for continued collaboration to ensure sustainable, long-term solutions for their unique challenges.

Living in Milton, Abdul Rahim said: “While we appreciate the government’s efforts, there are lingering concerns about the long-term solutions for asylum seekers. The funding boost is welcome, but we hope it is part of a broader strategy to ensure that asylum claimants from Afghanistan have immediate relief and sustained support for their journey ahead.”

Saeed Akhtar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter, Milton Reporter